Difference between revisions of "Wisdom"
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| − | '''Wisdom''', according to the [[Merriam-Webster]] dictionary, is defined as the "1 a: Accumulated philosophic or scientific learning-knowledge; b: Ability to discern inner qualities and relationships-insight; c: Good sense-judgment d: Generally accepted belief <challenges what has become accepted wisdom among many historians — [[Robert Darnton]]>. 2: A wise attitude, belief, or course of action. 3: The teachings of the ancient wise men" | + | '''Wisdom''', according to the [[Merriam-Webster]] dictionary, is defined as the "1 a: Accumulated philosophic or scientific learning-knowledge; b: Ability to discern inner qualities and relationships-insight; c: Good sense-judgment d: Generally accepted belief <challenges what has become accepted wisdom among many historians — [[Robert Darnton]]>. 2: A wise attitude, belief, or course of action. 3: The teachings of the ancient wise men"[http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/wisdom Wisdom], Merriam-Webſter. |
Most psychologists regard wisdom as distinct from the cognitive abilities measured by standardized [[intelligence]] tests. Wisdom is often considered to be a trait that can be developed by experience, but not taught. | Most psychologists regard wisdom as distinct from the cognitive abilities measured by standardized [[intelligence]] tests. Wisdom is often considered to be a trait that can be developed by experience, but not taught. | ||
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==Philosophical perspectives== | ==Philosophical perspectives== | ||
| − | A standard [[philosophy|philosophical]] definition says that wisdom consists of making the best use of available [[propositional knowledge|knowledge]]. As with any decision, a wise decision may be made with incomplete [[information]]{{Fact|date=March 2007}}. The technical philosophical term for the opposite of wisdom is [[Folly (disambiguation)|folly]]. | + | A standard [[philosophy|philosophical]] definition says that wisdom consists of making the best use of available [[propositional knowledge|knowledge]]. As with any decision, a wise decision may be made with incomplete [[information]]{{Fact|date=March 2007}}. The technical philosophical term for the opposite of wisdom is [[Folly (disambiguation)|folly]]. |
In his ''[[Metaphysics]]'', [[Aristotle]] defines wisdom as knowledge of causes: ''why'' things exist in a particular fashion. | In his ''[[Metaphysics]]'', [[Aristotle]] defines wisdom as knowledge of causes: ''why'' things exist in a particular fashion. | ||
| − | In addition to experience there are a variety of other avenues to gaining wisdom. For example, [[Freethought|Freethinkers]] and others believe that wisdom may come from pure [[reason]] and perhaps experience, while others believe that it comes from [[intuition (knowledge)|intuition]] or [[spirituality]]. | + | In addition to experience there are a variety of other avenues to gaining wisdom. For example, [[Freethought|Freethinkers]] and others believe that wisdom may come from pure [[reason]] and perhaps experience, while others believe that it comes from [[intuition (knowledge)|intuition]] or [[spirituality]]. |
| − | Beginning with the ancient Greeks, European culture associates wisdom with [[virtue]]. [[Metis (mythology)|Metis]] and [[Athene]] are associated with wisdom from earliest times. For example, many philosophers talk about the virtue of wisdom in relation to courage and moderation, and in the [[Roman Catholic]] church, wisdom ([[Prudence]]) stands with [[justice]], [[fortitude]] and [[moderation]] as one of the four [[cardinal virtues]]. [[Plato]]'s dialogues mention the virtue of wisdom, as knowledge about the Good and the [[courage]] to act accordingly. The [[Good]] would be about the right relations between all that exists. The Good, as a Platonic [[Form]], would involve the perfect ideas of good government, love, friendship, community, and a right relation to the Divine. Perhaps the search or love of wisdom is more important than any proven claim. Socrates only claimed to know that he did not know, but this he was very certain of, and he showed the many contradictions in the claims of his fellow citizens | + | Beginning with the ancient Greeks, European culture associates wisdom with [[virtue]]. [[Metis (mythology)|Metis]] and [[Athene]] are associated with wisdom from earliest times. For example, many philosophers talk about the virtue of wisdom in relation to courage and moderation, and in the [[Roman Catholic]] church, wisdom ([[Prudence]]) stands with [[justice]], [[fortitude]] and [[moderation]] as one of the four [[cardinal virtues]]. [[Plato]]'s dialogues mention the virtue of wisdom, as knowledge about the Good and the [[courage]] to act accordingly. The [[Good]] would be about the right relations between all that exists. The Good, as a Platonic [[Form]], would involve the perfect ideas of good government, love, friendship, community, and a right relation to the Divine. Perhaps the search or love of wisdom is more important than any proven claim. Socrates only claimed to know that he did not know, but this he was very certain of, and he showed the many contradictions in the claims of his fellow citizens. |
| − | [[Holistic|Holists]] believe that wise people sense, work with and align themselves and others to [[life]]. In this view, wise people help others appreciate the fundamental [[interconnectedness]] of life | + | [[Holistic|Holists]] believe that wise people sense, work with and align themselves and others to [[life]]. In this view, wise people help others appreciate the fundamental [[interconnectedness]] of life. |
| − | [[Thoreau]] believed that “it is a characteristic of wisdom not to do desperate things | + | [[Thoreau]] believed that “it is a characteristic of wisdom not to do desperate things.” |
| − | [[Nicholas Maxwell]], a modern philosopher, argued that the basic aim of academic inquiry ought to be to seek and promote wisdom — wisdom being construed to be the capacity to realize what is of value in life for oneself and others, wisdom thus including knowledge and technological know-how, but much else besides.<ref name = "Maxwell">[http://www.nick-maxwell.demon.co.uk MAXWELL, Nicholas]. | + | [[Nicholas Maxwell]], a modern philosopher, argued that the basic aim of academic inquiry ought to be to seek and promote wisdom — wisdom being construed to be the capacity to realize what is of value in life for oneself and others, wisdom thus including knowledge and technological know-how, but much else besides.<ref name = "Maxwell">[http://www.nick-maxwell.demon.co.uk MAXWELL, Nicholas]. |
==Scientific perspectives== | ==Scientific perspectives== | ||
| − | Some may find the [[scientific method]] | + | Some may find the [[scientific method]] |
| − | [[William Stanley Jevons]] (1873, 1877) ''The Principles of Science: a treatise on logic and scientific method'' Dover edition, with a new preface by [[Ernest Nagel]] (1958) | + | [[William Stanley Jevons]] (1873, 1877) ''The Principles of Science: a treatise on logic and scientific method'' Dover edition, with a new preface by [[Ernest Nagel]] (1958) to be a satisfactory path to a goal of gaining wisdom. |
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==Psychological perspectives== | ==Psychological perspectives== | ||
| − | Psychologists have gathered data on commonly held beliefs or folk theories about wisdom. | + | Psychologists have gathered data on commonly held beliefs or folk theories about wisdom. Sternberg, R. J. (1985). Implicit theories of intelligence, creativity, and wisdom. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 49, 607–62. |
| − | These analyzes indicate that although "there is an overlap of the implicit theory of wisdom with intelligence, perceptiveness, spirituality and shrewdness, it is evident that wisdom is a distinct term and not a composite of other terms."<ref>Brown, S. C., & Greene, J. A. (2006). The Wisdom Development Scale: Translating the conceptual to the concrete. Journal of College Student Development, 47, 1–19. | + | These analyzes indicate that although "there is an overlap of the implicit theory of wisdom with intelligence, perceptiveness, spirituality and shrewdness, it is evident that wisdom is a distinct term and not a composite of other terms."<ref>Brown, S. C., & Greene, J. A. (2006). The Wisdom Development Scale: Translating the conceptual to the concrete. Journal of College Student Development, 47, 1–19. |
Personality theorist [[Erik Erikson]] related wisdom to the last stage of his eight-stage theory of psychosocial development. Erikson's theory spans the entire lifespan and frames each stage in the form of internally-generated questions or tensions. Erikson claimed that in the last stage of human development, from approximately 65 years to death, individuals must resolve a psychological conflict between integrity and despair. He proposed that attaining wisdom is a favorable resolution and product of this conflict. | Personality theorist [[Erik Erikson]] related wisdom to the last stage of his eight-stage theory of psychosocial development. Erikson's theory spans the entire lifespan and frames each stage in the form of internally-generated questions or tensions. Erikson claimed that in the last stage of human development, from approximately 65 years to death, individuals must resolve a psychological conflict between integrity and despair. He proposed that attaining wisdom is a favorable resolution and product of this conflict. | ||
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which we call wisdom… Not that each man can evolve wisdom for himself… | which we call wisdom… Not that each man can evolve wisdom for himself… | ||
To whatever abyss ultimate concerns may lead individual men, man as a psychological creature will face, | To whatever abyss ultimate concerns may lead individual men, man as a psychological creature will face, | ||
| − | toward the end of his life, a new edition of the identity crisis which we may state by the words 'I am what survives me'.” | + | toward the end of his life, a new edition of the identity crisis which we may state by the words 'I am what survives me'.” Erikson, E. (1968). Identity: Youth and crisis (pp. 140–41). New York: Norton. |
Thus, within Eriksonian theory, wisdom universally surfaces as an optimal potential outcome of the human experience. | Thus, within Eriksonian theory, wisdom universally surfaces as an optimal potential outcome of the human experience. | ||
| − | In the 1970s, Vivian Clayton pioneered the academic study of wisdom. Clayton "is generally recognized as the first psychologist to ask, in even faintly scientific terms, 'What does wisdom mean, and how does age affect it?'" | + | In the 1970s, Vivian Clayton pioneered the academic study of wisdom. Clayton "is generally recognized as the first psychologist to ask, in even faintly scientific terms, 'What does wisdom mean, and how does age affect it?'" |
| − | + | The Older-and-Wiser Hypothesis [[The New York Times Magazine]][http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/06/magazine/06Wisdom-t.html?ex=1336104000&en=4b4959cf047f61fe&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss] Clayton's work caught the attention of [[Paul Baltes]], who later founded the Berlin Wisdom Project at the [[Max Planck Institute for Human Development]] in [[Berlin]], [[Germany]]. Another wisdom researcher, [[Sociology|sociologist]] Monika Ardelt, has developed a [http://www.nytimes.com/ref/magazine/20070430_WISDOM.html "Three-Dimensional Wisdom Scale"], a test that individuals can take for a numerical assessment of their wisdom on a scale of one to five. The number of academic publications about wisdom increased significantly from 1984 to 2000. Nevertheless, according to Jacqui Smith, one of Baltes's collaborators, the subject is not completely accepted in academia.The Older-and-Wiser Hypothesis| newspaper =[[The New York Times Magazine]] [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/06/magazine/06Wisdom-t.html?ex=1336104000&en=4b4959cf047f61fe&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss] | |
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==Religious perspectives== | ==Religious perspectives== | ||
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Some religions have specific teachings relating to wisdom. In [[Mesopotamian mythology|Mesopotamian Religion and Mythology]] [[Enki]], also known as Ea, was the God of wisdom and intelligence. Wisdom was achieved by restoring balance. | Some religions have specific teachings relating to wisdom. In [[Mesopotamian mythology|Mesopotamian Religion and Mythology]] [[Enki]], also known as Ea, was the God of wisdom and intelligence. Wisdom was achieved by restoring balance. | ||
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[[Buddha]] taught that a wise person is endowed with good bodily conduct, good verbal conduct & good mental conduct (''[[Anguttara Nikaya|AN]]3:2'') and a wise person does actions that are unpleasant to do but give good results and doesn’t do actions that are pleasant to do but give bad results (''AN4:115''). This is called [[karma]]. The Buddha has much to say on the subject of wisdom including: | [[Buddha]] taught that a wise person is endowed with good bodily conduct, good verbal conduct & good mental conduct (''[[Anguttara Nikaya|AN]]3:2'') and a wise person does actions that are unpleasant to do but give good results and doesn’t do actions that are pleasant to do but give bad results (''AN4:115''). This is called [[karma]]. The Buddha has much to say on the subject of wisdom including: | ||
| − | * He who arbitrates a case by force does not thereby become just (established in [[Dhamma]]). But the wise man is he who carefully discriminates between right and wrong.<ref>''[[Dhammapada]]'' | + | * He who arbitrates a case by force does not thereby become just (established in [[Dhamma]]). But the wise man is he who carefully discriminates between right and wrong.<ref>''[[Dhammapada]]'' |
* He who leads others by nonviolence, righteously and equitably, is indeed a guardian of justice, wise and righteous.<ref>''Dhammapada'' v.257</ref> | * He who leads others by nonviolence, righteously and equitably, is indeed a guardian of justice, wise and righteous.<ref>''Dhammapada'' v.257</ref> | ||
| − | * One is not wise merely because he talks much. But he who is calm, free from hatred and fear, is verily called a wise man.<ref>''Dhammapada'' | + | * One is not wise merely because he talks much. But he who is calm, free from hatred and fear, is verily called a wise man.<ref>''Dhammapada'' |
| − | * By quietude alone one does not become a [[Wise old man|sage]] (muni) if he is foolish and ignorant. But he who, as if holding a pair of scales, takes the good and shuns the evil, is a wise man; he is indeed a muni by that very reason. He who understands both good and evil as they really are, is called a true sage.<ref>''Dhammapada'' | + | * By quietude alone one does not become a [[Wise old man|sage]] (muni) if he is foolish and ignorant. But he who, as if holding a pair of scales, takes the good and shuns the evil, is a wise man; he is indeed a muni by that very reason. He who understands both good and evil as they really are, is called a true sage.<ref>''Dhammapada'' |
In [[Taoism]] ''Practical'' Wisdom may be described as knowing what to say and when to say it. | In [[Taoism]] ''Practical'' Wisdom may be described as knowing what to say and when to say it. | ||
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"It requires wisdom to understand wisdom: the music is nothing if the audience is deaf." ― [[Walter Lippmann]] | "It requires wisdom to understand wisdom: the music is nothing if the audience is deaf." ― [[Walter Lippmann]] | ||
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==See also== | ==See also== | ||
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==External links== | ==External links== | ||
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*[http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/jsuebersax/Lexicon.htm Wisdom Lexicon Project] | *[http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/jsuebersax/Lexicon.htm Wisdom Lexicon Project] | ||
*[http://www.poetrybytroy.com/living_wisdom.html Living Wisdom — A Research Paper about Wisdom] | *[http://www.poetrybytroy.com/living_wisdom.html Living Wisdom — A Research Paper about Wisdom] | ||
Revision as of 02:28, 19 August 2007
Wisdom, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is defined as the "1 a: Accumulated philosophic or scientific learning-knowledge; b: Ability to discern inner qualities and relationships-insight; c: Good sense-judgment d: Generally accepted belief <challenges what has become accepted wisdom among many historians — Robert Darnton>. 2: A wise attitude, belief, or course of action. 3: The teachings of the ancient wise men"Wisdom, Merriam-Webſter.
Most psychologists regard wisdom as distinct from the cognitive abilities measured by standardized intelligence tests. Wisdom is often considered to be a trait that can be developed by experience, but not taught. When applied to practical matters, the term wisdom is synonymous with prudence. Some see wisdom as a quality that even a child, otherwise immature, may possess independent of experience or complete knowledge. The status of wisdom or prudence as a virtue is recognized in cultural, philosophical and religious sources. Some define wisdom in a utilitarian sense, as foreseeing consequences and acting to maximize the long-term common good.Template:Fact
As such, in general, wisdom is looked at his/her ideals and principles that govern all actions and decisions. Applications of personal wisdom include one's ethical and social guidelines in life that determines one’s unique style of personality, the particular nature of short and long-term goal(s) pursued in life (spiritual or materialistic for example), perspective on life, social attitudes, etc.
Philosophical perspectives
A standard philosophical definition says that wisdom consists of making the best use of available knowledge. As with any decision, a wise decision may be made with incomplete informationTemplate:Fact. The technical philosophical term for the opposite of wisdom is folly.
In his Metaphysics, Aristotle defines wisdom as knowledge of causes: why things exist in a particular fashion.
In addition to experience there are a variety of other avenues to gaining wisdom. For example, Freethinkers and others believe that wisdom may come from pure reason and perhaps experience, while others believe that it comes from intuition or spirituality.
Beginning with the ancient Greeks, European culture associates wisdom with virtue. Metis and Athene are associated with wisdom from earliest times. For example, many philosophers talk about the virtue of wisdom in relation to courage and moderation, and in the Roman Catholic church, wisdom (Prudence) stands with justice, fortitude and moderation as one of the four cardinal virtues. Plato's dialogues mention the virtue of wisdom, as knowledge about the Good and the courage to act accordingly. The Good would be about the right relations between all that exists. The Good, as a Platonic Form, would involve the perfect ideas of good government, love, friendship, community, and a right relation to the Divine. Perhaps the search or love of wisdom is more important than any proven claim. Socrates only claimed to know that he did not know, but this he was very certain of, and he showed the many contradictions in the claims of his fellow citizens.
Holists believe that wise people sense, work with and align themselves and others to life. In this view, wise people help others appreciate the fundamental interconnectedness of life.
Thoreau believed that “it is a characteristic of wisdom not to do desperate things.”
Nicholas Maxwell, a modern philosopher, argued that the basic aim of academic inquiry ought to be to seek and promote wisdom — wisdom being construed to be the capacity to realize what is of value in life for oneself and others, wisdom thus including knowledge and technological know-how, but much else besides.Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag
- One is not wise merely because he talks much. But he who is calm, free from hatred and fear, is verily called a wise man.<ref>Dhammapada
- By quietude alone one does not become a sage (muni) if he is foolish and ignorant. But he who, as if holding a pair of scales, takes the good and shuns the evil, is a wise man; he is indeed a muni by that very reason. He who understands both good and evil as they really are, is called a true sage.<ref>Dhammapada
In Taoism Practical Wisdom may be described as knowing what to say and when to say it.
Wisdom as a gaming/RPG ability stat
Originally appearing in the grandfather of all RPGs (Role Playing Games) "Dungeons & Dragons", Wisdom was a statistical attribute of significant importance to Priestly characters - such as Clerics, Druids, and Paladins. Unlike conventional wisdom, which encompasses age & experience, Wisdom as a stat in D&D describes a character's will, judgment, guile, enlightenment, insight, and in later editions perception as well. It influences a priest's mystical powers/spells and any character's will-based saving throws (such as against mental attacks by charms, phantasms, etc.) Wisdom and Will as a character stat would later appear in many other book/dice and computer/console RPGs (Role Playing Games).
Quotations about wisdom
"Wise men say nothing in dangerous times." ― Aesop
"When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years." ― Mark Twain
"I hope our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us, that the less we use our power the greater it will be." ― Thomas Jefferson
"Patience is the companion of wisdom." ― St. Augustine
"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something." ― Plato
"Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers." ― Alfred Lord Tennyson
"It requires wisdom to understand wisdom: the music is nothing if the audience is deaf." ― Walter Lippmann
See also
- Book of Wisdom (A Jewish book, part of some Christian Bibles)
- Ecological wisdom
- Intelligence
- Knowledge
- Philosophy
- Regret
- School of Hard Knocks
- Streetwise
- The Wisdom of Crowds
- Virtue
- Wisdom literature
- Theosophy (regarded by followers as the "Wisdom Religion")
External links
- Wisdom Lexicon Project
- Living Wisdom — A Research Paper about Wisdom
- Atlas of Wisdom: Wisdom in Psychology and Spirituality
- Where is the Wisdom We have Lost in Knowledge?
- Wisdom: The Interval Between the Notes
- From Knowledge to Wisdom
- Book on Wisdom from psychologist Paul Baltes
- Wisdom in Perspective
